I do not own any Star Wars and DC characters and ideas represented in this work.
"You may think I am evil. I am not. I am efficient." - Darth Maul
In the main chamber of Vader's castle, where he contemplated on this black throne for many hours or gazed alone through the room's long window that showed the dark jungle outside, the Dark Lord was at the center where a series of holo-schematics cycled through. He wasn't the only one gazing at the ghostly blue images; there were others, Thanagarians, in fact.
The first and most important was Paran Dul, the Thanagarian liaison to Vader. Formerly a senior Lieutenant just last week, but after their first meeting and Commander Talak relying on Vader's proposal of an alliance to his ruling council, they somewhat accepted the thought of Paran Dul being an attache, and she was promptly promoted to Captain. Vader could tell since then, she was pleased in her position. She was an intelligent woman; he could see that; she set herself apart from her fellow Hawkish kinsmen with acts of careful deliberations, cold and precise calculations, and strategies that might as well be alien to the Thanagarian mentality.
Darth Vader was satisfied to have Captain Dul as his emissary from Thanagar. During their encounter and eventual meeting, he was intentionally worried that the Hawks and their council would assign a lesser Thangarian to be his advisor. But after finding out that Dul would be his attache, that worry fell away. The woman was highly gifted in the engineering arts and sciences. While not comforting, it was reassuring in a strange sense to him that he saw another being just as highly motivated and skilled in starship engineering as he was. The woman valuing efficient methods had also improved Vader's opinion of her. It would be wise to keep her close.
The two other Thangarians were her deputy liaisons, also from the crew under Commander Talak. One was Wing Commander Sh'ri Valkyr, the Warhawk's fighter squadron commander. An ordinary female Thangarian of average height and build, with armor in blue and gold instead of the usual red and gold, with the inclusion of natural yellow eyes and short white hair, she was in the rank of Lieutenant. Valkyr did not impress Vader, unlike Dul did, except that Vader noted interest in Valkyr had on him.
[Note: Sh'ri Valkyr, better known for her role as leader of the Cult of the Seven Devils in the DC continuity, has her first appearance in Adam Strange Vol 2 Issue #3 out of 2005]
It started a short few days ago when he began sessions to show the Thanagarians blueprints of various Imperial starship designs he was willing to provide. Watching many schematics and detailed X-rays, Lieutenant Valkyr showed amazement at the designs. Just like Paran Dul, she too had an interest of sorts in starships. When she asked about their origins, Vader gave the vague answer that he created them himself, as it wasn't entirely a lie; he did, after all, improve the designs of almost all of the old Empire's vehicles, which, in turn, he employed in his own fleets.
Paran Dul was more or less impressed and stunned that Vader would be able to do this, Valkyr was the same but expressed it more openly than Dul would. There were times when Valkyr seemed more interested in asking Vader questions and showering him with praises of his works and his wider Empire than actually fulfilling her duty as an assistant diplomat.
Vader did not care for such verbal tributes, not entirely, at any rate. Paran Dul certainly did not want these compliments to a foreign ally, not when they themselves should promote Thanagarian superiority in different technologies. Though they were supposed allies, even if it is fresh, Paran Dul and her superiors have an agenda beyond wanting Imperial warship designs—a secret that the Dark Lord sensed in Hro Talak. Having Valkyr drop her position as deputy liaison and have another Thangarian replace her might send out a message that the Thanagarian military isn't in the same mindset.
To them, at least, and how they might think, doing so might ruin the Thanagarians' image, and that would be a problem seeing how Captain Dul was also performing the role of a pseudo-diplomat. So, in accordance with keeping an image, Paran Dul somewhat tolerates Valkyr's very vivid compliments to Vader, possibly even to try and strengthen the Sith's view on the Hawks.
Vader will keep a close eye on Valkyr, perhaps at a later date and time, Vader could manipulate Lieutenant Valkyr in a way to do his bidding rather than doing her duties as a hawk. If not a spy, then a trusted person he could exploit within the Thanagarian military echelons.
The second and least important deputy liaison was Lieutenant Rayn Kral. Kral was a former wingman–Thanagarian lawman– on Thanagar. He was a notable exception lawman until his policing unit was conscripted into the Thanagarian war effort a couple of years back. A Hawkman that had no real value to Vader and did not make the Dark Lord take a second glance at the conversation level.
The multiple simulacrums that changed form after the study were blueprints of various star cruisers and fighters that Vader had in his fleets. There were certain ones that he was willing to share due to them not truly being utilized by the navy to a larger extent. TIE-fighters, Dreadnought-class cruisers, and a few in-between ships that never really were manufactured by the New Empire. For some time now, Vader had let the Thanagarians gaze and study the designs in holographic form.
"An interesting ship, Lord Vader," Captain Paran Dul said as the visual holographic copy of the Munificent-class winked out from the holo-projector that was stationed on the floor. "Though I may say the heavy cannon on the prow is an impressive weapon, in relative speaking. I feel, however, that would be the only point of interest the Thanagarian Imperial fleet would see, and its minimal amor will not suffice Thanagarian tactics."
The Munificent-class frigates were the backbone of the Confederate of Independent Systems Navy during the Clone Wars. Characterized by its twin heavy turbo-laser cannons on the front bow, its horizontal and vertical dorsal fins at the aft, and its skeletal appearance, the vessel often had to fight against the much better armored and gunned Republic Venator-class star destroyer. Its performance at that scale would often vary. It could be a decent reserve ship the Thanagarian Starfleet could pump out cheaply, but as Paran Dul described the ship, it wouldn't be the deal-breaker the Hawks are scouting for.
While the Recusant-class warship had a similar design, the droid-powered ship was currently in service with Vader's fleets. From what he can understand of Thanagarian doctrine and choice of starship design, they favored superior firepower above all else. Still not giving the designs of the ISDs, as to save the deal they have yet, Vader can maybe provide them another source of firepower.
Waving a black-gloved hand, the next holo-gram appeared in existence in an accurate representation of a Providence-Class dreadnought. Its long frame with its distinctive angled conning spire at the back, the bridge tower at the front, and its most interesting features are the large hangar that can store heavy amounts of fighter craft and its rows of cannons within the hull on its sides for broadsiding action.
An expensive war vessel for sure, but it was a capital ship the CIS put to good use when available. When a Providence was on the battlefield, it often created headaches for the Republic's high command as it was a clear challenge to the Venators. After the Clone Wars, the Providence was still difficult to handle, even to ships like the Imperial-Class, the largest example was at the battle at Mustafar when Vader tracked the separatist leader, Gizor Dellso, and his freshly made droid army at the Volcanic world.
The Thanagarians fixed their eyes on the ship as multiple specifications about the warship popped into view. Paran Dul and Kral observed the ship, studying the features that made it unique. Valkyr did the same, though occasionally looking in between the hologram and Vader. "Is this another self-made design, Lord Vader?" The curiosity was heard from her words.
Vader only replied with an unclear answer, "Something in that matter."
Whatever Valkyr wanted to say, either to continue and have him explain or ask any more meaningless questions, she didn't commit to it. She only puts her attention towards the floating blue image of the Providence cruiser. Paran Dul had been switching her eyes around the simulacrum, looking for anything that caught the engineer's eyes. Silent moments entered the chilled throne room in between anybody's words, after a careful time of visually scanning the hologram, Captain Dul shifted her eyes to Vader. "This ship seems… intriguing, it's class?"
"Providence-class." Vader supplied the answer evenly.
"Any more variants?"
"That is its only current configuration."
Dul turned her head back toward the scanline hologram and pointed at the long neck of the ship, "From these readings," she said, "The ship has a great deal of armament and cannons on its port and starboard sides." Then she pointed at the top hull of the neck, "However, the lack of main weapons at the top section here could be detrimental. It could make promising results in broadsiding duels and long-range volleys, but if there were an enemy vessel forward or at a higher elevation, the dreadnought would be at a disadvantage, to say the least."
Vader had already, in the past, acknowledged the deficiencies of the Providence-class, but he didn't fail to take notice of her quick analysis of the ship. By way of her words, it would seem she is trying to make the argument that no ship would satisfy Thanagarian needs other than the Star Destroyer classes, with how most vessels of the design would be able to have fire trajectory in most directions while ships like the Providence only have a limited number, notwithstanding the firepower of the Providence that was capable of subduing an Imperial-class.
The Emperor of the New Galactic Empire was quick to counter, however, "If a failing of that design bothers you, Captain," he lifted a finger at the direction she worried about, "Then I suggest a refit of multiple cannons onto the top frame could end those fallbacks." Vader had no problem selling the Thanagarians designs like the Providence and other warships. With ships like these not in service or had limited numbers made, he need not worry about other foreign powers getting their hands on the designs. The Thanagarians might also be inclined to purchase such blueprints since Vader is not demanding nth metal shipments to cover the costs.
Paran Dul and her deputies considered fixing the cruiser's flaw, but before any of them could say their opinions and points, the door to the throne room slid upon, and a stormtrooper in the rank of a Commander walked in.
Commander Radek was a prominent stormtrooper officer in the corps. Fearless while, at the same time, striking fear into enemies and subordinates alike. Before the creation of the galactic empire, Radek was a lowly lieutenant within the royal guard. After Vader's ascension and the creation of the stormtrooper corps, Radek was a fiery believer of the new galactic order, a loyal member of COMPNOR, and proved his worth during the battle of Rimbor when he swiftly and brutally dished out orders.
Following multiple engagements, he managed to earn a position in Vader's personnel stormtrooper battalion that almost followed him everywhere unless told otherwise. When the Dark Lord found the now-then captain to be highly competent and loyal to his cause, he promoted him to Commander, and the officer hasn't failed him since.
[Note: Stormtrooper Commander Radek is a nod to the character of Colonel Mael Radec from the game Killzone 2]
As the leading officer of the stormtrooper unit in the castle, the commander knows better than to disturb Vader's personnel meditation sessions, talks between officials and high command, and other times when Vader would not like to be bothered. In this case, the Sith Emperor could tell that this must be important.
Commander Radek went up to his emperor and performed a dignified bow as he relayed major news. "My apologies, my liege, but Lady Angelicus' shuttle has just exited hyperspace near Almerac's orbit, and she had sent a message detailing that her task is complete."
Vader uncrossed his arms, finding it somewhat surprising that no problems had risen in his apprentice's mission to the Dominion, at least none he could sense or tell. Finding it extremely dangerous and sensitive to discuss cloning amongst the Thanagarians, not even taking a look at them, Vader pointed at the door of the throne and told Radek, "Take the Thanagarians to their quarters and leave them there until I need their presence again."
The trio of Thanagarians were taken aback by the sudden change of demeanor and the lack of courtesy from Vader's words. He didn't see their comfort as his priority at the moment; his true priority right now was the possibility of repairing his body. His apologies, if it even comes up at all, will come later. Vader whirled around, making his back face the hawks and paced away from them to gaze at the window of this throne room.
Stuck in a stupor, the Thanagarians were speechless. Captain Dul's mouth hangs open but then tightens in protest and tries to question why he audciscouly waved them off. Commander Radek, however, stopped her from speaking her mind. He went in front of her and gestured to the throneroom's doors, "My sincere apologies, Captain, but my Lord is quite busy, and the Thanagarian delegation must return to your designated quarters at this time."
While Vader may have begun a sort of diplomatic incident that could sour relations that just started, the force relaxation of Paran Dul suggested that she wasn't willing to pursue the argument. She nodded to her subordinates and looked over to her shoulder in Vader's direction, "I hope then, Lord Vader, that whatever situation has been brought up to your attention is resolved or finished in your favor." She begrudgingly bowed, and the other three Thangarians, with Valkyr giving a curious side look while exiting left the throne room.
Now alone in his throne chamber, eyes from his helmet aimlessly gazing down onto the Almeracian forbidden dark jungles, Vader had a mixture of fear and excitement come upon him that he wasn't able to quell.
He had taught his apprentice the very meaning of consequences if she ever failed him, and he had done such punishments in the past as corrections. She knows very well what would happen if her actions would lead to that and would be better off not coming back if that were the case. Lying will serve no good for anyone, especially her. If she said she had completed her mission, then it must be true.
Sensing her arrival within the castle's docking bay, he wondered in a staring manner. Would this scientist be actually capable of cloning Vader's body? If not, then they would need to find another researcher, and all of the time before would have been wasted. But if they do, is it finally possible that he could regain his body?
Being trapped within this suit, his senses and memory of touch and sensations had been lost to him. Now, the future of regaling those feelings being somewhat closer, he swore he could feel those bodily perceptions return to him. Almost like the phantom pains when his limbs were torn from him, he felt the ghostly feeling of being a man again. He felt the melancholic experiences bombard him; he remorsed the feeling of the breeze around him, feet on the earthy ground, and the…warmth from the touch of a woman.
Could he really have those feelings again?
The Sith was so caught up in his nostalgic feelings that he almost failed to sense Angelicus entering his throne room. He quickly recomposed himself, shaking those memories from his head, and let the dominating presence of his aura that had intimated so many beings enter him.
The throne room doors opened; Angelicus, in her black assassin's suit, along with 11-4E entered the chamber, escorting a yellow-skinned Dominator dressed in fine green robes. The Dominator looked frightened over his entrance, and Vader sensed his fear since the moment he stepped foot on the castle as though he was walking into his doom.
Angelicus genuflected towards her master, then in a humble tone, "My master," she made a one-arm gesture to the frightful Dominator, "Your prize."
Vader turned around and studied the yellow alien from head to toe. He drew his eyes to his Havanian apprentice, "Return to your chambers, apprentice, your mission is not complete until I value this being to be worthy of my attention."
She moved to her feet and bowed her head, "Of course, master." Before she left, she momentarily stopped by the Dominator and adopted a glare that was part meaningful, part warning. The Dominator made a gulp that made his neck bulge a bit. After her death stare, Angelicus left the throne room to Darth Vader, 11-4E, and this scientist.
The Dark Lord questioned, "Is this the Dominator I have requested?"
Marshaling the courage, the Dominator unsurely said, "I-um, y-yes, I—,"
"I was not speaking to you." Vader bluntly shot down the Dominator's words and trained his head to 11-4E. The alien closed his trembling lips.
"Of course, Master." 11-4E answered. "His name is Gunther, one of the top caste scientists of the Dominion. His records show that he had experience with gene editing and cloning." The droid paused then added with important emphasis, "From his previous experiments, it would appear that he has knowledge of midichlorians."
Shocked, Vader craned his head at the Dominator. Suspicion rose in him while fear of the implications. It can't be a mere coincidence that he sent out his apprentice to find a cloner who just so happened to have knowledge of the forceful organelles. Angelicus would know about them but still be ignorant of the true purposes of her mission. He didn't sense any semblance of betrayal or scheming when she entered his domain, nothing surface level at least.
Perhaps, he countered himself, this wasn't a coincidence. Maybe, just maybe, the force orchestrated this meeting, so it could be a building block to help gain Vader back his potential.
Though wearily, Vader strides towards the Dominator. The yellow alien barely moved as if he were an animal caught by the eyes of a predator, hoping not to be seen. An arm's length away, Vader's form towered over the scientist, his mechanical breathing seeming to suck the air around this Gunther, who barely took any breaths next to the Sith Lord.
"Is this true, Dominator?" Vader inquired, "Are you this competent, as my droid explained?"
The dominator slowly tilted his hairless head up and down, "Y-yes."
"And…" Vader, in the mentality that no one else was in the room, eyed the throne room without moving his head and felt through the force that they were the only ones in that section of the fortress. It wouldn't be good to have Angelicus, the Thanagarians, or worse, someone under his wife's command to hear this talk. "…You understand midichlorians?"
"If-if mean by Organelle X, my lord, then yes, Yes!" Gunther tried to please Vader with a quick answer.
"Has Lady Angelicus offered my proposal?"
"Y-yes! My lord!"
"And?"
"I humbly accept."
Vader stared down at the alien, the Dominator squirmed at the suffocating gaze. "Let me be clear," he jabbed a finger from his black-gloved hand to Gunther's chest, it was just enough strength to stagger the skinny alien just a bit, but Gunter dared not to move. "If you dare to speak with anyone besides myself and my droid on this matter," he lifted his other hand to bail it into a fist, "Then your punishment will not be so easily quick or merciful."
Gunther barely raised his hands up to his hip in a placating way, "Yes, yes! Of course, you have my word that no one will know anything. I was just told that you wanted a clone army and my reward would be my ascension to rule the Dominion."
Vader dropped both hands, "If Lady Angelicus had offered those to be your compensation for your commission, I see no obstacle to stop me from granting them to you." He put one pointing finger at Gunter, "If you can provide the service I want."
"The clone army?" Gunther asked.
"That is part of it," Vader gestured 11-4E to come, "Show him the hologram, 4E."
11-4E did what he was told; he shuffled towards Vader and Gunther. Dunking his head a bit, a blue holographic form of Vader's anatomy—suit and body—pictured out of 4E's eye. From the cybernetic limbs like his arms and legs to artificial organs. Implants in his ears to the breathing tube that replaced his trachea and the multiple cybernetic vertebrae painfully inserted in his spine were shown, plus many more. He had upgraded his artificial limbs in the past, but the organs and bone replacements have been a nigh impossible task to repair, not if he would risk a demise from the surgery or gain the attention of Palpatine.
[Note: See the page of Darth Vader's Suit blueprints in Star Wars: Blueprints - The Ultimate Collection book to get a better understanding of Vader's cybernetics, it is more extensive than most would realize]
Gunther's black eyes observed the hologram, eyes switching at each cybernetic implant and suit module that was displayed. The fear seemed to part away, and curiosity took over Gunther. "This is…rather intriguing." He continued his gaze, "The cybernetic limbs look modern enough," he was quick to point out, "But the implants within the body look rather flimsy and outmoded." Gunther stopped his analysis after a brief moment when a spark of realization kicked in. He swiveled his head at Vader, adding caution and trying to be inoffensive, "Is this…you, my lord?"
"Yes," Vader replied with venom, though directed at his current health rather than Gunther's question. "For twenty years, this has been the predicament I have been trapped in."
Gunther, slightly amazed, gazed back at the hologram and then returned it to Emperor Vader. "If I can ask, why not replace it with much better implants or straight forward, cloned organs?"
Vader's response wasn't fast to answer. "There are elements beyond of which the eye can detect that have made those options difficult." He gestured for 4E to create another hologram for a better explanation. Another blue light flashed out of the droid's photoreceptors, instead of a detailed diagram of Vader's body, it was charts and graphs of Vader's midichlorian count. "I assume you know what these are?" Vader asked.
The Dominator's black, emotionless eyes went fully open in surprise as he registered the new hologram before him. The yellow alien began to mumble incoherent whispers to himself as if in debate with himself. He stopped talking and fixed his amazed eyes on the Sith Lord. "This is your blood test?" As though he couldn't believe it, he rubbed his eyes, "This…this is Amazing!" He burst out in glee, "This is the largest amount of Organelle X gathering in a subject I have ever seen! This is revolutionary! The implications it had could—" the alien realized that Vader stared at him with his unmoving mask, Gunther put himself back in line, "Yes, I know of these."
"Then you would know their behavior towards the actions of attempting to control them."
"Yes, my research has proven that."
"For beings such as myself that have them in an abundant amount, cloning is not as easy a task as some might think."
"I…understand."
"That in lies the true purpose of your commission," Vader finally supplied the truth, "You will help me find the means to create what I have lost and replace the crude substitutions before you. In return, I shall grant whatever wish you desire."
"I see…" While caution and fear of Vader still lingered in the researcher, Gunther did consider the Emperor's offer. "I have already accepted the offer from your servant, but I'm willing to accept it again for you," he bowed his head, "My emperor."
Vader knew, of course, that the Dominator would accept the irresistible proposition the Dark Lord offered. Yet, this doesn't mean that this agreement will be successful; there will be challenges and failures to come and go. But in the end, Darth Vader was sure that gaining his body back was a matter of when rather than if. "Let us hope for both of our sakes then," he said to the Dominator, "That we find success in our efforts."
***
If someone were to tell Pathavim Seth-Ottarak that he would be a Green Lantern—the greatest protector of the stars—he would think that person would be living in a fantasy, yet that was what happened. Pathavim, being a typical example of his species, fish-like, with a tail in place of feet, webbed hands, orange skin, and a set of gills, never thought he was anything special. Friends and family have always considered him as too caring and compassionate for his own good, but he thought nothing of it, until now.
Months ago, he was going through a normal day in his ocean-covered world when a floating and almost magical green ring entered his seas and told him in a robotic voice that he had the ability to overcome great fear. He thought the talking ring as some sort of test or illusion, but by putting it on and the ring sending him through the depths of space to the planet of Oa, he was confident to say this wasn't a trick of the mind. He was at first, skeptical and also humbled. Pathavim believed himself to be unworthy, but after going through a heavy amount of reflection, he now believes that the ring discovered him was an omen, a sign from his sea deity, Ashta'a.
He then accepted the gift with a renewed sense of purpose.
After months of training on Oa with one of the best of the green lanterns, like the strong and proud Kilowag and the cunningly smart Katma Tui, he was now a full-fledged Green Lantern. He was assured that his newly developed skills and abilities would help him overcome his first and greatest tasks—bringing order and peace to sector 17, especially to that of Garnet, or what others call Hellhole.
[Note: Green Lantern Pathavim Seth-Ottarak's first and only appearance as well with the planet Garnet, or Hellhole, is from Green Lantern Corps Quarterly Vol 1 Issue #1 out of 1992]
A sector close to the eastern fringes of the Milky Way Galaxy, sector 17 and, to a greater extent, Garnet, is a hotspot for all sorts of crime and villainy. Rampant drug trafficking, vile slavery, gang violence, and more criminal acts have plagued these systems for centuries. The guardians have taken note of this and made sure to send Lanterns into the area; unfortunately, the assigned corpsmen sent here don't usually last very long, and few are lucky to last a standard week.
Pathavim was forewarned of his assigned sector and Hellhole, and the Guardians even offered him reassignment to a different sector due to his novice. But with courage puffed into his gills, he politely refused to change sectors; if he was chosen to have this ring—this great responsibility—then he would fulfill his duty, Hellhole be damned.
With his mission to bring order and prosperity to one of the worst regions of the galaxy, the embolden Pathavim flew through empty space as his personal shield cast a green hue around him. The sea of white dots that were many parsecs away were nothing but a blur to him as he closed into the Garnet system.
Since he entered the star system, he performed a deep scan within the system, as he was warned about the many floating debris that meandered around the system that were from the remnants of pirate ships battling each other. Interestingly, the ring told him that there was no amount of dangerous debris field or space junk detected. Once more, interstellar traffic has been confined to Garnet itself as opposed to the tangled space lanes he briefed about.
"That shouldn't be right." He appealed to himself rather than his emotionless semi-sentient power ring.
The ring picked up Pathavim's unsure expression and explained, "All recorded types of space pollution and debris have not been detected in deep scans. Abnormalities that the scan showed were the lack of traffic and three unidentified warships near Garnet's orbit."
Pathavim halted his flight in space; Garnet was nothing but a small brown and blue ball within his vision. Flabbergasted, he brought his ring near him. "Warships?" He asked.
"Correct."
Suspicion crept into Pathavim's voice, "Bandits?"
"Unlikely," the ring answered Pathavim's worry. "Scans show that the three vessels hovering in Garnet's orbit have heavy amounts of armaments and armored hulls, which, including their size and uniformity of designs, indicate they are a cruiser type class of warship." A small green simulacrum of the three warships around Garnet was shown from the ring.
The ships themselves were almost dagger-shaped, with two identical towers on each one near their aft. "Searching through Oa's archives of every known warship," the ring continued, "the three warships are undocumented and appeared to belong to an unidentified organized fleet rather than a group of marauders."
Green Lantern Seth-Ottarak's face morphed into one of great processing. If the scans were true about these vessels and that they belong to another group capable of making them, does it mean that this organization cleaned up the system, debris and crime alike?
That would explain the missing presence of both, but from his knowledge and warnings from the Guardians, the multi-race criminal population wouldn't take kindly to those who want to bring order to the planet. It's possible, then, that if this group did indeed have intentions of controlling this system, conflict would have risen, and the criminals would have lost possibly.
Yet, that shouldn't be the case, Pathavim argued; the Guardians had vast amounts of knowledge and intelligence around the galaxies, surely they would know of a new galactic power that would have popped up, right?
He was unsure however, and his question of this group was answered in the form of the ring's warning to him. "A seeking scan has been detected towards us."
Startled, Pathavim said, "From the three warships?"
"Correct."
"Are they planning to fire on us?"
"Information shows that armaments are now online, but no attempt has been made to target us. In addition, all limited traffic and deep space transmissions coming in and out of the system have ceased since we entered it."
Pathavim blinked out of astonishment, "They knew we entered the system, and you didn't tell me?!"
The ring was defeating quiet when it didn't respond outright. "No evidence shows that ships were violent until their weapons were tuned online. Communication stoppage might be connected to this situation."
Pathavim narrowed his eyes at the ring, and its response almost seemed like a made-up excuse rather than an actual statement of its failure to warn him. He was trained and was assured that lantern rings don't fail like that, not unless it lacked power, and he charged it he left Oa, so what was its problem now?
Before Pathavim could press any more information from the ring, the emerald lantern ring buzzed out, "A hailing transmission from the leading warships had been found."
The green lantern took a few seconds to think in silence amongst the black void. The aquatic lantern commanded the ring after making his decision. "Let's hear it then."
The ring did was it was told, and an electronic voice filtered through the ring emitted out, "Unidentified Vessel, this is the INS Rimbor's Subjugator, you have deviated from the allowed path in the designated traffic lane in this system and are now in restricted Imperial space. Hold your position for a boarding inspection and state your business, your ship's transponder code is not showing up in our scans."
[Lore Note: INS Rimbor's Subjugator was one of the unnamed Venator-Class Star Destroyers that took part in the Battle of Rimbor. At a later date, it was renamed to the current designation you see now out of good performance]
"Rimbor's Subjugator?" Pathavim questioned through his breath with slight sarcasm, "That isn't too friendly." He cleared his throat and then responded to the voice through the ring. "This is Green Lantern Pathavim Seth-Ottarak, I am the assigned Green Lantern to this planet and its home sector, this is my first patrol in the area. I bring no harm."
An oppressive stretch of silence took hold of the moment, the planet that was just a ball in Pathavim's eyes seemed to be staring at him as the response didn't come till the minute of quiet passed. Another voice, one with a touch of aristocratic education, spoke and broke the dreadful silence. "This is Commodore Douma, commander of Garnet's Defense Flotilla, part of the 23rd Fleet. To the Green Lantern on the other side of this transmission: state your business on trespassing in sovereign Imperial space."
"This is Green Lantern Pathavim Seth-Ottarak, by powers and authority of the Guardians of the Universe given to me, I am this planet's and the sector's newest protector. And I am here to do my routine patrol to ensure that law and justice are followed here."
Commodore Douma answered, "Guardian Law no longer has its reach here, Lantern, thanks to Emperor Vader and his fleets, this part of the galaxy is safe. You're welcome to leave."
Pathavim felt displeased, not only how he had been shunned away by whoever these Imperials were, but by himself too. Though he was just christened as a Green Lantern, it felt as if he was responsible for the neglect of the region. These Imperials and whoever this Vader seemed to rid the system, or even the entire sector at large, of the majority of crime and scum it is associated with, but that didn't mean they would be benevolent or good for the sector. A greater understanding must be achieved before making any large decisions.
"Of course, commodore," Pathavim professed kindly, "I will gladly take my leave…until I meet this Emperor Vader."
The commodore scoffed with a short laugh, "A very good attempt in humor, but I'm afraid this is a serious affair."
"That wasn't a joke, Commodore." Pathavim corrected.
For a brief moment, the Commodore didn't say anything, "Green Lantern Seth-Ottarak, while I am flattered that you desire to see our glorious leader, my Lord Emperor is quite busy with other and more important matters."
The Green Lantern made a polite counter, "Then perhaps I could discuss with a local governor of some sort. This sector is under my protection, and I yearn to learn more of your way of doing things."
A pause of near absolute noise came after Pathavim talked to Commodore Douma. The ring, after several moments, pointed out, "An encrypted message has been detected, its transmitted origin came from INS Rimbor's Subjugator, and the recipient is planetside." Pathavim didn't say anything, only staring at the small orb suspended in the gulf of black space. The ring made another detection. "The recipient on the surface of Garnet has sent out an encrypted message to INS Rimbor's Subjugator." A couple of moments later, "The weapon systems of all three Imperial Vessels have been turned offline."
That surprised Pathavim. Genuinely that he wanted to talk peacefully, by the way, Imperials had a sense of wariness towards the Lantern, it seemed at first that no talk of simple dialogue would come from them. "By orders of Moff Gotthard Keyyers," Douma said, "I am to give you clearance through Imperial space and send a transmission package containing coordinates planetside, the Moff himself is willing to…discuss with you lantern."
A smile of satisfaction came to Pathavim's orange aquatic face. "Thank you, Commodore," he said after the coordinates came into a display emitted by the ring. "And tell mister Keyyers that I will be happy to have a civilized chat with him."
The Commodore didn't respond to the kind gesture and ended his side of the transaction. Pathavim renews his flight towards Garnet. Getting closer to the planet, its features become more detailed. A medium-sized world with a bountiful ocean, its continental land masses were a brown rocky color. Home to a blue-skinned humanoid species, the indigenes known as the Garnetians became minorities to their own homeworld after many intergalactic criminal elements found Garnet to be a suitable hiding place to hide and congregate.
Entering the farthest reach of Garnet's gravity well, the planet now was a large ball that had three gray dagger-shaped vessels float beyond the atmosphere. All three were locked into positions in a spacious wedge formation pointing outward from the planet. Pathavim guided himself though the blockade with no trouble, though he felt a tingle of tension as he passed the cruisers. The debris field that floated around Garnet, just like the mass hulks of debris around the system Pathavim was warned about, was gone—the planet's atmosphere was clean and had no trash forsake it.
The coordinates took Pathavim to an expansive urban sprawl, one that took the lantern by surprise. Instead of the unorganized sections of buildings and city blocks that housed so many types of criminal and immoral acts—from gambling, fight-to-the-death sports, slaving trading, and prostitution—the city below was neat and collected. There were barely any dilapidated structures that Hellhole's settlements were known to be; instead, there were clean, almost uniform buildings and skyscrapers that served different purposes beyond Pathavim's knowledge.
He was impressed, though begrudgingly. To see one of the worst crime-ridden planets of this galaxy fixed and cleaned up, at least from what he can tell, was an inspiring sight. But Pathavim had wondered; there was no doubt that the criminals, gangsters, slavers, pirates, and other scum would find the Imperials' efforts to rid them of the planet to be… problematic. Likely, a large amount of resistance would have come, and from its appearance, the Imperials won.
Yet, though they were criminals and weren't the kindest beings of the universe, what exactly had this Vader and his subordinates done to them? Murder? Turned them into slaves for menial labor? Rehabilitation would have been the perfect solution and most wanted outcome, but Pathavim had the feeling that the Imperials didn't believe that, not when they themselves seemed militaristic. Hopefully, by asking this superior, he could gather the answers he seeks and talk to Emperor Vader to learn more.
The center of the coordinates beheld a large and almost dominating building that must've been the main administrative center. There, at the wide main entrance and at the top of its steps, was a humanoid man dressed in a clean grey uniform. By him was a contingent of white armored soldiers armed with black blasters, most likely bodyguards.
Pathavim descending down, he noted that when he fully touched down on the ground, the streets of the city he was in were nearly empty. Sure, there were some signs of life, such as personnel hovering over vehicles parked here and there. Regardless of that, he saw some of the local citizenries, most if not all of them were Garnetians—taking shelter in their homes, shops, apartments, and other buildings. On the surface, face to face with what had to be this Moff Keyyers; it was just Pathavim, the Moff, and his bodyguards, the city block looked abandoned in a rush.
Moff Keyyers didn't show a face of friendliness or courtesy, nor did his white armored bodyguards who stood at attention. Pathavim straightened his posture, "Greetings, exalted beings." He started the dialogue in a friendly manner. "I am Green Lantern Pathavim Seth-Ottarak—the green lantern sent on behalf of the guardians of the universe to keep the peace and enforce justice in this sector. You must be the local governor of some sort, correct?"
Moff Gotthard Keyyers kept a stern look toward the lantern corpsman. "I am, Moff Keyyers, to be exact."
"I will be honest with you, governor, I did not expect this…" he gestures his webbed hand to the cityscape around them, "Cleanliness to come from one of the galaxy's worst planets. I can only imagine the work it must've taken to do such a goal."
"It was a troublesome endeavor," said the governor in concession. "But the Imperial armed forces of the New Galactic Empire have taken care of the scoundrels of this system."
"I see, well, that is a tremendous achievement and a noble one to protect the innocent, too."
"Yes," Keyyers replied with a nod. "And it was an undertaking we had to perform, no thanks to the likes of you."
The kind smile on Pathavim's face faltered. "Excuse me?"
"Oh, don't be naive." Gotthard Keyyers said with a point of his black-gloved finger, "Because of the incompetence and lack of action created by your green lantern corps, this planet and many others in this sector have been plagued with criminal scum for years. The empire is the current source of stability here, not your lanterns."
Pathavim raised a webbed hand for placating. "Now, wait a minute, are you implying that the lantern corps have simply done nothing?"
"Imply?" Keyyers shook his head from side to side, "What is there to imply? It clearly shows that the Lantern Corps do not care about this side of the galaxy as much as they claim to."
The lantern kept his cool despite the horrible accusations. Many lanterns, time and time again, have died trying to bring justice to this planet and sector. "The lives of the lanterns before me say otherwise," Pathavim stressed.
"And that is supposed to mean anything?" Pathavim's hairless brow furrowed as Keyyers continued. "The death of failures shouldn't be noticed by anyone. The Galactic Empire, on the other hand, has done more service to this planet in almost a year than the Lantern Corps had done in centuries."
Pathavim looked back at the empty streets of the city, noting that the few very local Garnetian people who were still outside were watching the argument. He turned his attention back to the governor, "I would like to hear from the people here rather than a non-local."
"What are their opinions worth?" Moff Keyyers insisted, "Their past actions had led them to be conquered and used by criminals for the longest time. It's clear that their chance of determining their destiny has failed, now their destiny lies in the Empire—the ONLY hope of keeping order in this turbulent galaxy—and our Emperor will lead us to it."
"That seems more like tyranny," Pathavim accused, dropping the context of any kind of politeness, "Rather liberation."
Keyyers heaved his shoulders, having no intention of lying, "Call it all you want, it is the Empire's strength to be true at that. The weak follow the strong because they are inherently incapable of doing so themselves and must be guided from ruin. Your corps doesn't believe in such a thing; that is why the lantern corps will always fail. My Emperor believes in such ideals, and every Imperial subject should."
"Perhaps then," the Green Lantern suggested, "I could see this Emperor and have a proper discussion with him."
"Or you shall…" the governor cocked a smile, "But not in a fashion of your choice." He brandished a blaster pistol, and the armored soldiers behind him did so too. They quickly formed a circle around the lantern.
Pathavim braced himself but didn't strike back, not yet, at least. "What's the meaning of this?!" He demanded from the governor.
"An arrest." Gottard Keyyers, simply put it. "Green Lantern Pathavim Seth-Ottarak, you are under arrest for the following: one count for illegal possession of an item not authorized by Imperial law." He gestured at the lantern ring. "One count of failing to comply with Imperial interstellar traffic regulations. One count of being a member of a foreign power that has the intent of influencing Imperial rule and sovereignty. How do you plead?"
"If any governor, I should be charging you and your emperor." Pathavim snapped back.
"I'll take that as guilty," Keyyers said. "And if you are so keen on meeting my lord emperor, I'm sure he will gladly meet you when I bring you to him myself."
"Do you really think you could apprehend a Green lantern?"
Keyyers kept his confident smile, "This world was said to be a green lantern killer, and we took it without any real trouble. I'm sure we could take fish like you."
Dazzling emerald energy grew brighter around Pathavim's ring, "Then you greatly mistaken." Without giving the Imperials a chance, Pathavim conjured a green hand from his ring that thrust a fist into Keyyers chest. The officer was flown back, almost nearly to the front sliding doors of the administration building. If Pathavim is to believe these Imperials to be Almeracians, then a simple punch, albeit one heavily held back, wasn't going to disable one of them.
The white armored soldiers wasted no time to open fire. Discharges of red energy bolts—semi and automatic—erupted out of their weapons. Pathavim, however, did not lower his personal defense shield around his body, so the energy bolts were absorbed through the barrier that mimicked the outlines of his frame. Pathavim would have brought back his imaginary created hand to slap the weapons off of the soldiers' grips, but one of them threw a grenade. The following detonation was powerful enough to kick Pathavim far backward to the city street.
Crashing into the pavement using my hover-cars and other vehicles, Pathavim's crash created a spider web of cracks under him. His shield was still kept intact. By now, the few Garnetian bystanders who were gawking at the scene had fled for safety. The green lantern was still bombarded by small arms blaster fire from the top of the steps. A minuscule threat until more of them came.
First, many, an untold number of blasters—ranging from handheld to crew operated—revealed themselves through street corners, doorways, and window openings, all handled by other white armored soldiers. Rain of blasters thundered through the city block, and all of them fired at Pathavim. There was so much of it he could barely see anything but only crimson energies, the noise it made was like being caught in a fire that screamed in his ears. He was trapped in an almost unrelenting storm of deadly blaster bolts.
The energy was too much to bear for his energy shields; it went to the point that the shield that was around his body started to wane. The impacts began to be felt, the pressures knocking him down to the broken ground.
Marshaling strength, before his personal shield would further collapse, he outstretched a hand upward to create a thicker and larger protective bubble around him. The bubble manifested around him and absorbed the energy fire better than his personal, but the volley of attacks kept on coming.
"Ring!" He issued a command to his power ring, "Contact Oa! Relay the situation to them!"
The ring responded with an unexcited tone. "Unable to send a transmission to Oa."
"What?!" Pathavim exclaimed with an open mouth.
"A jamming interference around Garnet has been found; relaying a transmission signal to Oa will be difficult and will take more time than usual."
Pathavim's thoughts ran wild as more and more volleys of fire erupted from various portions of the street to his bubble. The Imperials first became hostile to his presence but then let him through, the lack of civilians in the area, the governor arresting him, the surprise attack, and the communications jamming; all of it was in service for an ambush. An ambush was designed for him, and he willingly entered it. Perhaps it was his fault as he originally subscribed to the idea that most sentients can be peacefully talked down to. Now, this was his first lesson of being a green lantern: there were just beings out there that hated the green lanterns, no matter how good they did.
Though surrounded, if he can get to the governor and his command staff, he could enforce a surrender to him, disengage the jamming blockade, and send a signal to Oa that a new power has risen in the eastern fringes of the galaxy.
His resolve strengthened, and he made himself and the bubble fly upward to where he was over the street. Having to disarm the soldiers first and still being bombarded by energy fire from all over, he gazed at a building that had more of it; then he summoned a giant energy that struck down onto the building, and the structure collapsed, ceasing its blast bolt fire it emitted.
Pathavim continued on to do the same to end the attacks on him but noticed that the soldiers weren't the only inhabitants of the buildings. The dust settled down; the collapsed buildings had some white soldiers sprinkled within its ruins, but also, to Pathavim's horror, there were local civilians too, all perished by the collapse and with faces of horror.
For a moment, he was stunned and couldn't think of anything else. Were the Imperials so monstrous that they had the idea to force the locals into their buildings as some form of meat shields? Who could do such a thing? That meant this entire section of the city or even the entirety of the settlement had armed soldiers with civilian-stuffed structures, and Pathavim wouldn't be able to do a thing, not unless he wanted to kill innocents.
"Diabolical." He cursed internally.
What could have been anger, he fixed his gaze at the admin structure. Nevermind disarming the soldiers, he needed to reach Moff Keyyers and force a surrender. He flew toward the tall building, ending the bubble shield, while trying to wave past blaster fire that rained from downward. A heavy and large galvanized spear of plasma fire rammed Pathavim's personal shield, and he was knocked out of the air and then crashed back to the surface of the street.
Getting to him, he saw that the beam of energy that hit him came from a two-legged vehicle of some sort and started to move out of the intersection corner. The walker blasted more and more staggering bolts of cannon fire that knocked back Pathavim some more. He ended it by summoning a giant pair of scissors and slashing the mechanical legs of the walker. The vehicle heaped to the ground in a loud crash. But just when he thought that nuisance was taken, more walkers of the same type exited their hiding places and started to lay impacting cannon fire.
Pathavim fought back with everything he could without damaging the buildings that held civilians. These diabolical acts will not go unpunished. He was a green lantern, this tyrannical government and its ruler will suffer the wrath of the avatar of justice and hope. He will do so because he is a Green Lantern, and no evil will escape his sight! They will beware of his power!
As Green Lantern Pathavim Seth-Ottarak fought against the imperial force, from the ground to the air, more of his ambushers came from the ground and air. More stormtroopers, more AT-STs, and repulsor tanks through streets put on heavy amounts of fire while TIE starfighters came screeching from the top of the atmosphere to chase and harass Pathavim.
The green lantern mantra of "Beware my power" will be accurate here, but it will not be for the lantern that follows it. Rather, it will be an apt description of the great evil that Pathavim believes he could defeat. However, it will be Pathavim Seth-Ottarak who will not escape the evil's sight, not the other way around.
***
The boredom of Maxima was shown by a yawn she didn't hold back. Having one hand to use as a stand for her to place her chin on, the other was currently being manicured by one of her servant girls, Maxima sat on her throne. Often than not, she was bored in the throne room, and she sat for so many hours listening to boring reports and talks from officials.
Though the day was not yet lost, next to her own throne was her dearly beloved husband, who sat on his own throne almost identical to hers, if not slightly larger to compensate for his size. Of course, there was Sazu standing to the side of Maxima. First, Maxima's finest handmaidens, now Imperial Chancellor, Maxima was glad to see Sazu moving up through the world.
Her oldest friend on one side, her cherished love of the entire universe on the other, it was a perfect moment for Maxima and she thought nothing could make it possibly better. Perhaps the presence of her younger cousin, Kristoph, would improve this moment. But her cousin was off in some vague military detail as Vader told her, he was a big boy, after all, and not the little boy she almost watched over for the longest time. He can take care of himself.
At the center of her throne room were a pair of simple-robed Ghanites from Ghan IX. Grey-skinned humanoids with red esoteric tattoos on the front of their faces, the two Ghanites that were before her and Vader were emissaries, pleading a case that was more of a sob story rather than a request for foreign help.
They went on and on about how they were somewhat of a squabbling race that lacked any real technology. The Yuever Consortium—a more advanced humanoid race with light blue pigmentation, where their own planet was close to Ghan IX—had decided decades ago that enough was enough. They launched an invasion, now an occupation, to "civilize" the Ghanites and end the pointless local wars. What was supposed to be a benevolent mission to modernize Ghanite culture became an almost never-ending conflict of guerrilla warfare.
[Note: The first and only appearance of Ghan IX and the Yuevers was in Red Lanterns Vol 1 Issue #2 out of 2011]
It was a repetition of Ghanite insurgents attacking Yuever patrols, installations, and local collaborators; the Yuever military then are inclined to set an example and launch reprisals to any nearby settlements; atrocities committed and grievances made, the Ghanites then get rowdy and make more attacks. An endless cycle of violence that seemed more like unarmed bystanders got the worst of it than the actual combatants. A real tragedy…if only Maxima found the heart to really care about it to begin with, and she knew her husband would agree too.
If it was up to Maxima, the whole situation could have been easily solved by simply having multiple battle cruisers do an orbital bombardment on the planet until it was a useless ball of glass. Vader might also agree to that, though he kept his thoughts in check and safeguarded them. She sensed Vader's frustration as he forced himself to hear the Ghanite representatives try to solicit Imperial help.
With the Green Lantern Corps nowhere to be found in the conflict, Maxima also sensed the Ghanites' reluctance to ask for Imperial involvement to stop the Yuevers. Yet, the Galactic Empire, being the sole power to grant such peace in the region, led the Ghanites to beg her and Vader for their audience and attention.
Honestly, she paid more attention to her manicure job than this whole ordeal, as it passed nearly half an hour of them talking.
"Please, my lords." One of the Ghanite diplomats said after their long and tedious speech of Yuevers' crimes against the Ghanite people. "Our people have suffered long under the occupation, and despite our strong resolve, the oppressors have not backed down. Our only hope is with your support."
The other diplomat continued on what his colleague finished, "If you were to help liberate our world and drive back the Yuever forces, our leaders are willing to cement a permanent alliance with the people of Almerac and—"
Vader swiftly cuts the representative off; that was the only few times her husband had spoken during the meeting, "Imperial, not just Almeracian, councilor."
The two Ghanites looked at each other, and the one that was previously speaking corrected himself to please Vader, "Oh yes yes, Imperial, apologizes. Ghanite and the Imperial people could eternally benefit from an alliance if you ever decide to relieve Ghan IX of its occupiers. Resource rights and economic partnerships would also be included."
Both Ghanites waited for either Maxima or Vader to respond. Maxima definitely wasn't going to offer them any of her time and day. As much their story of resistance is somewhat sorrowful to other eyes; she didn't feel that much sympathy, not when they themselves had to beg for help. This was an exhibition of their weakness and incompetence to govern and protect themselves.
If they had strength of their own, then they might have permanently pushed out the Yuevers and become masters of their own destiny. Yet, because of their general inferiority and lack of control over themselves, they are nothing but reduced to tribes trying to survive a slow extermination campaign from an enemy they are hopelessly outmatched. Besides, what do a bunch of tribals have to offer them?
The only response Empress Maxima ever gave the Ghanites was a simple glance to regard them, a dismissive shrug, and retraining her attention toward her manicure job.
Both Ghanites were taken aback by Maxima's lack of acknowledgment but kept their politeness and looked onto Vader to see his response. Her husband's own reply could be interpreted as "better" than Maxima's, but it was just as cold.
"Do you think that I am a fool?" Vader didn't let the Ghanites respond to his venom-loaded question, "Imperial blood, war material, and time wasted on your insignificant world, for what? A measly alliance? No. Two outcomes will happen, and only one of them could occur. Either you submit your entire world to Imperial protection and rule, and your oppressive problem will cease. Or, you deny my offer, and your pathetic race will forever more be exterminated as the Empire simply observes."
The Ghanites, aghast and dumbstruck, barely conjured up the words for a proper civil response. "Give our independence to you? When we have been trying to obtain it for decades?!" One of them protested.
"Freedom that you don't deserve." Her dear husband coldly countered back.
"How dare you!" The other Ghanite let out an offended yell. "You have no thought on what it is like to be enslaved or suffer under another's grip! Do you have no heart for the women and children that are butchered daily?!"
The last words of the Ghanite echoed heavily in the throne room. Maxima swore that the word increased the gravity of the large chamber, but she obviously knew the true origin of the increased pressures.
The throne room was eerily silent, except for breathing through Vader's mask, no one said a word or moved. The guards—Imperial Shock Troopers—still stood guard and didn't bother detaining the Ghanites for their insolence, as they knew exactly what was about to happen. The servant girl that was doing Maxima's nail stopped and held her breath as if prepared to see another unpleasant execution happen before her. Sazu nervously stood still while slightly sighing as she knew what was about to transpire. Maxima, on the other hand, was as fine as she ever was.
Vader never really explained his past, but one detail that might reveal his history was his behavior toward slavery. A cold and detached man towards others, except to her, of course, Vader has enacted many rules and proclamations, actions and deeds that might seem tyrannical and cruel. But one act that might seem softhearted while strange was his outlawing of slavery.
Sure, criminals of many types and prisoners of war usually end up performing menial labor in a factory or blowing fields as punishment, but any enslaved being that has been under a government conquered by the Empire will be automatically freed. Those who didn't like the new changes, Vader had easily delivered his displeasure to them. Maxima had no real opinion of it. Yes, there were slaves who were just downright pathetic and didn't deserve their shackles broken, but if their freedom made Vader happy somehow, she wasn't going to argue.
She wasn't going to argue about it when it brought out the same darker aspect of her hubby. The same dark facet of him that she fell in love with.
Vader rose from the throne and methodically strode toward the two Ghanites. No stomping, no exaggeration, he simply walked toward the two grey tattoo aliens at a strong pace. Despite the large chamber being environmentally regulated for comfort, the temperature dramatically dropped to a point where Maxima could see her breath. Light somewhat faded as areas where shadows were cast, grew blacker unnaturally.
The defiance and fury that were in the Ghanites were drained out of them as Vader loomed over them as if he was the embodiment of the grim reaper standing in front of them to collect their lives. Her husband's voice went into a menacing growl. "You dare not question my concept of suffering or your very idea of it will be expanded beyond perception." He let his heavy words sink into those heads before continuing. "As for your cry for help, this will be final. You will either join the Empire; otherwise, I will see to it that your planet is raised to ash, every man, woman, and child put to death, and your entire race extinguished. Is this clear?"
As if they saw the devil armored in black armor, the Ghanites' already dull skin became paler, they shook under his oppressive gaze and seemed like they were on the edge of soiling themselves. In fact, it was almost hilarious to Maxima that she barely concealed a smile.
The same boastful Ghanite that outbursted to her Dark Lord mate barely managed to utter comprehensive words. "Y-y—y-yes, y-yes -yes w-w-we unde-understand."
The other shaking Ghanite did his turn of trying to please Vader before he considered choking them to death or hacking them to pieces with his lightsaber. "We-we a-accept your g-g-gift, exalted o-one."
Vader continued staring down at the Ghanites, most likely thinking of actually going through to kill them. His turning around and returning back to his throne was a sign that he didn't feel like killing anyone at the moment. He gestured for a nearby officer who stood with the Imperial guards, "Take these worms back to where they slithered out of." Then he empathized with another order, "Afterward, inform the commander of the 11th Fleet to begin the assault on the Ghan and Yuever systems."
The Ghanites added disbelief to their already horrified faces. In her husband's mindset, Ghan was going to be an Imperial world, whether they liked it or not, so plans have taken over, and the systems have been prepared. Ghanite consent was beneath Imperial notice. The officer obeyed his commands and gestured to two shock troops to take the grey aliens out of the throne in an aggressive fashion.
As they were pushing and shoving away the representatives, Maxima noticed that her nails weren't being properly attended to and shot a glare at the still-stunned servant. "Did I say you could stop?"
Color was brought back to the servant girl, and she resumed her service. Sazu still stood quietly next to Maxima, fully aware that Vader's and Maxima's words were law and final. Just like her handmaiden says, she humbly accepted whatever the rulers wanted.
Next on the agenda was the hologram summit between her, Vader, and the high council of Thanagar. Attending and being intermediaries, the newly promoted Thanagarian engineer officer Captain Paran Dul and her two deputies were ushered in by Commander Radek.
Maxima had no significant opinions on Paran Dul, and the male officer's name escaped Maxima's attention. However, the other deputy, lieutenant Sh'ri Valkyr, was a woman Maxima carefully watched. Occasionally, she would spot the hawk catching interested glimpses of Vader, praising him in more than normal ways. Truly, Maxima, this could just be admiration toward her husband, and Maxima couldn't disagree with that.
But something in Maxima screamed out to her that the somewhat beautiful Thanagarian woman could have feelings that just might be dangerous to Maxima's and Vader's relationship. It was best to keep an eye on her.
"I've been informed that communications have been established on Thangar, my dear excellencies," Radek stated to Maxima and Vader.
"Start the hail," Vader commanded.
Radek bowed and relayed a message to the communications center to start the lengthy process of relaying an encrypted holo-message to Thanagar. Due to the distance between Almerac and Thanagar that was measured in multiple parsecs, the territories between the borders were unclaimed and wild, and the possibility of Thanagar's enemies intercepting it, the communications arrays made between both Empires had to be advanced and expensive.
The first to appear in hologram form in the middle of the throne room was Commander Hro Talak. After returning back to Thanagar, the commander reported the interaction with the Galactic Empire to his superiors, and the growth of relations building started. "It is good to see you, Lord Vader," Talak's blue image said out. He looked at Paran Dul. "Captain, congratulations on the promotion, and I sincerely hope being the emissary of Thanagar has been riveting to you."
The female Captain blankly replied, "Thank you, commander, and my time and service here has been…entertaining, if I can make a comment on it."
"As one of my best officers," Talak said, "I can only expect the greatest results from your work." He shifted his look to Vader. "My leaders are ready to begin the talks "
"Noted." Her husband said.
The hologram of Hro Talak shifted to the side to make room for the large holographic image of the ruling council of Thanagar as they appeared. As the name suggests, they controlled and led the Thanagarian Empire, for they were the most battle-hardened and skilled warriors of the hawks. All male with grey-colored big beards and numbering only five, the warlords of the Thanagarians bore a unique blunt weapon that varied from one another. The traditional Thanagarian winged helmet, and battle armor also was different for each ruler.
[Note: Ruling Council of Thanagar in the DCAU is shown in the Justice League Animated Show episode of Starcrossed out of 2004]
"My lords," Talak introduced his superiors to the Imperial monarchs. "As I have detailed to you earlier, these are the generous rulers that have saved my ship and crew from the Gordanian attack. Ruling from Almerac, this is Emperor Darth Vader, and next to him is Empress Maxima."
The councilors' adopted observation looks at Vader and Maxima, more so to Vader as they may have heard about Maxima. "So Lady Maxima finally is betrothed." One of them remarked, "I'm sure many on Almerac are relieved."
"Oh, I'm one of them," said Maxima as she sneaked a hand to comfortably grasp Vader's black-gloved hand. "And I know my dear love is too." Out of embarrassment, because what else would it be? Vader's hand escaped Maxima's grip after a couple of seconds. "He acts so cute when he gets embarrassed." She thought to herself and secretly hoped that Vader sensed the inner monologue.
Trying to switch topics, Vader questioned the holograms with a, "The invitation of an alliance, have you reached an accord?"
The councilors gave each other understating looks, and the one in the middle spoke out, "We have, but the deal, Dark Lord, must be altered."
After that point, the councilors began talking about how Vader's demand for nth metal shipments in exchange for Imperial ships was too much, stating how not even the few partners they trade with gain that amount of nth metal. Vader, with the ever-calculating Sazu countered by saying that the amount of nth for Star destroyers and other war material would alleviate their ever-stagnating war with the Gordanians. In specific points, Talak, Paran Dul, and even Sh'ri Valkyr voiced their opinions when their rulers asked for their perspectives on Imperial naval technology.
At the end of the day, it seemed there would be no conclusion and agreement made despite Talak's view of Thanagar needing more ships or Valkyr explaining to her warlords that Imperial Starfighters were superior to most other designs existing. The old warlords seemed fixated on the notion that the small percentage of refined Nth metal the empire was asking for was too great, and they even voiced doubts that Almerac and the greater Galactic Empire would not be a match to Gordanian power.
It was such a mess of tangled back-and-forth beliefs and rebuttals that Maxima felt being fed to a carnorite would be a better fate than listening to this nonsense. She dozed off into her own imagination, wondering when she and Vader could engage in another round of intimate embracing or a romantical conquest campaigning like the short war they did against the Daemonites weeks earlier. She fondly remembered how lovely it was to see him in the middle of a combat zone, slicing and hacking away every Daemonite that ran at him as she did the same or telepathically turned their brain cases into soup. It was almost a beautiful, hand-holding moment to see their planet turned into slag as orbital laser fire ruptured the planet's crush and caused a magnificent chain reaction that caused the Daeomonite homeworld to explode. It was like watching fireworks in a cosmic setting, and it was so perfect because of how she and Vader was on the bridge watching the devastation unfold.
Maxima almost failed to see Radek receiving a transmission within his helmet that made him step to the side as the talks continued. Moments later, in composed urgency, Commander Radek went to Maxima with a bow, "My lady, I've received troubling news."
Maxima lazily waved off the servant girl to exit and regarded the stormtrooper commander with very little interest. "What is it, Radek," she said, simply looking into space, boredom making her eyes relaxed.
"High command has been notified that Garnet has been attacked recently."
Now that interest Maxima and her lack of enthusiasm was compensated with an opportunity to get out of this stale mess. "Really, from who?"
"A green lantern, my lady."
Vader, who at this point stood in front of the hologram of the council to show his strong demeanor, whirled around in the direction of Maxima and Radek. "Audio cancellation." His voice sounded to the holo-projectors setting, which paused the holo-conference. The council's voice was silenced as well with Talak. Neither would also be able to hear the noise in the throne room. The Thangarians that were actually present were confused at the sudden change but Vader's attention to Radek didn't let them ask the Dark Lord. Vader, disregarding Paran and her deputies, approached Radek. "Who has attacked Garnet?"
"A green lantern," Radek reiterated, "As reported by Moff Keyyer's emergency call. I've been told that the local commands heard the attack and sealed off the system with surrounding fleets. Nothing will come in and out without the notice of the empire, my liege."
Garnet, or to a name that was more apt, Hellhole, is a planet several parsecs westward of Almerac. A crime-infested world in the likes of tamed Rimbor or recently conquered Cairn, but Garnet was incredibly worse along the systems surrounding it. The Imperial Navy mopped up the countless pirates and bandits that called it home many months ago, and Vader's usual way of clean up took up in effect.
If the criminals weren't outright killed, then they were transported off-world to expend their usefulness by making armaments and other things. The deportations were so dramatic that the original native population, which was a minority on their own planet, finally became the largest demographic.
Supposedly, Green Lanterns were tasked by their Guardian masters to keep order and stability in those types of worlds, yet their lacking presence in systems like Garnet says otherwise.
Vader stood motionless at the information. Radek continued to supply news of the situation. "The admirals stationed around the systems have suggested that an all out offensive would trap the lantern, and his capture would follow. Shall I notify Admiral Ultraa about this and start—"
"No," Vader bluntly answered with a new goal in mind. "They will be on standby; I will handle this myself. Make sure none of the Thanagarians leave this room until I return." He slightly turned his head to Sazu, "That goes for you too, Chancellor." Then, he spun off at a tight pace. He didn't speak anymore to bewildered Sazu or Paran as he simply went through the hologram of the Thanagarian council.
Maxima went up to get out of her own throne and casually smiled at Sazu, "Don't worry Sazu, we won't be gone for that long."
Sazu was at a loss for words but fixed herself, "I uh…yes my Empress."
Maxima then dashed forward to meet Vader behind, just fast enough to catch up to her husband before the throne room doors closed behind them. "Going somewhere love?" She said, purring, which made Vader whirl around in a startle.
"What are you doing?" He demanded.
"I'm coming with you, of course, silly," she playfully tapped the padded part of his chest.
"You will do no such thing. This affair is solely mine to deal with."
"And let you have all the fun? Not a chance."
"This isn't a discussion," Vader said as he turned around to begin his walk.
Faster than a blink of an eye, she went in front of them, but Vader hadn't been able to make two full steps. "Now honey," Maxima looked into her husband with fake disappointment. "Aren't we married?"
"Yes."
"And aren't we madly in love with each other?"
Vader had a brief moment, but he answered, and one that she sensed was truthful. "Yes."
"And because we're married, aren't we supposed to carry our burdens together?"
Again, Vader's response wasn't immediate; this time, it was longer. "You don't know my burdens, wife, nor do you deserve any of them. Now out of my way."
He attempted again to get back to his goal, but she made a simple sidestep and still blocked him. "Oh, Vader, you know very well I'm a big girl, and I can handle myself."
"I…know you can." He admitted.
"Then a good-for-nothing green lantern isn't gonna easily hurt me, and he especially ain't gonna get a great time when he might hurt my dearly beloved."
The several silent moments elapsed before Vader made a reluctant answer. "Very well, if you desire to come with me, we shall go to my shuttle."
"Oh no, no no," she wagged a finger, "We won't be going into a crusty shuttle. Tonight's special, and we'll head there with a bang." She gestured one hand to her bracelet that contained one of the finest teleporter technologies in the galaxy.
Caution ended Vader's deep voice. "The careless planning of teleporting in a situation like this will not help us."
"Why not?" She asked glumly, "It's a lot faster."
"And can be unstable."
"Oh, that's just from the cheaper stuff. And you don't want to use it because you barely go through it."
"That is part of it."
"Well," she made a moment of self-thought, then wickedly smiled. She entered the coordinates of Garnet and opened a swirling, cascading portal of bright illumination. "How about this!" She said loudly enough as the vortex was screaming like a tornado. "You take your boring shuttle while I go to Garnet and get to be the very few beings able to kill a green lantern with you just barely leaving Almerac's surface. How does that sound?"
Vader went to look at Maxima, at the portal, at Maxima again, the portal last time, then finally locked eyes with Maxima. "Fine, I concede."
***
"I…will…not…surrender." A Moff Keyyers marshaled on his knees as he was apprehended by Pathavim with conjured green-colored hand binders.
What used to be the main administrative building of this planet was reduced to rubble and ruin thanks to the battle between the Green Lantern and Imperial forces. With some fires still roaring, smoke columns racing to the sky, and piles of what used to be this massive structure, the fight was fierce as the Imperials threw everything they had except for the cruisers still orbiting the planet.
The battle might have ended sooner, but the imperials' actions of using local people as cannon fodder with many buildings only prolonged the inevitable, not stopped it. They could have done an orbital bombardment, and depending on the energy output, they might've blown him away. But were they willing to take this city—this whole section of a planet—and kill its inhabitants over one green lantern? That was a nightmarish thought he hoped these Imperials, or anyone in fact, wouldn't do.
The sooner the corps takes on the Galactic Empire, the better.
"That is yet to be seen." Pathavim said to the arrested Keyyers, "You'll be transported to Oa where you'll testify and inform us about this Galactic Empire and Emperor you speak of."
A powerful current of blinding energy ruptured into existence behind Pathavim, enough to send dust clouds all over. A brown veil cast around the rubble, but the light that caused it was bright as a star and luminated like a lighthouse on a horrible stormy night. Barley was able to get a clear picture; he saw two figures exit out of the vortex, and the light ceased.
The dust storm ended, and the winds settled as the figures were slowly being revealed. There, Pathavim felt…uneased, as though something now was unnaturally not right. Fully facing the two figures now, he heard what could be described as a deep exhale and inhale, nothing that sounded natural or good.
The details of the two figures started to become more clear; one smaller and one more taller, both caped, the smaller one was a female of a humanoid sort, and the taller one was one that was draped in all gleaming black. The female, with long red hair, a white cape draped behind her shoulders, and in black and white combat armor, had a devious and anticipated smile.
The tall one, Bipedal, but that is far from what Pathavim can guess his race. Obsidian armor with padded arms and legs in the same color. The heavy, oppressive breathing came from the tall black being. That was where this feeling of wrongfulness came from—him. Yet despite acknowledging it and trying to resist it, Pathavim's resolve wasn't strengthened, it was weakening as he stared at what could be described as a living, vengeful wrath.
The Moff looked at the two arrivals with shock, "The…Emperor."
Finally, the black being spoke in a voice that matched his heavy, awful breathing. "So this is what the Guardians of the Universe have to offer."
***
Discord Server Invite if interested. https://discord.gg/ZbcfzxwK3a